YouTube Star GK Barry Headed for Jungle After Strictly Snub
Popular YouTuber and Loose Women panellist, Grace Keeling, known to her millions of followers as GK Barry, is reportedly set to join ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! this autumn. Sources close to the star reveal she opted for the jungle over a potential appearance on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
According to The Mirror, GK Barry is in advanced discussions with ITV show bosses, who believe her participation could attract a younger audience. Her charisma and infectious energy are seen as perfect for the challenges and camaraderie of the Australian outback.
"GK is hugely popular with the younger generation and is sharp and quick witted which would translate well to chats around the campfire with other celebrities," a source told The Sun on Sunday. "Producers think she has great energy and is highly entertaining. She has millions of social media followers, which is a top focus of ITV at the moment."
The news comes after reports of GK Barry's involvement in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing for its 20th anniversary special series. However, it seems the YouTuber decided the jungle presented a more fitting challenge for her burgeoning television career.
"She's a big personality... she'd be a great addition to I'm A Celeb," a source told The Mirror. "Grace is savvy and knows this is a brilliant opportunity to become more of a household name. She did have several meetings with Strictly, but ultimately decided it wasn't the best fit and is keen to pursue her telly career with ITV."
Last year, GK Barry hinted at her desire to join I'm A Celebrity, but with a specific condition. She requested a single, muscular man to be part of the crew, stating, "I want them to put me in there when there's a muscly man that can hold me in a hammock and until then, I'm not going in. I need a single man, a single strong muscly man."
An ITV spokesperson declined to confirm or deny GK Barry's participation in the upcoming series, stating that any names suggested for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! are merely speculation.
